The Path of Least Expectance: Recent Episodes
Michaela
The path you never expected your life to take, the road you were never prepared to travel. That part of life when the point between A and B gets a little messy. Roadblocks, pivots, failure and all the inbetween. But what happens when we start taking chances on ourselves, and start finding opportunities to turn our negatives into our greatest positives. Sometimes on our path we find a dead end, sometimes maybe a short cut but every once in a while, you just find a much better path. So stop resisting and follow us on a journey down, the path of Least Expectance.
Brandon and Thurston went to California on a friends trip and came back as business owners. They were just as surprised as everyone else. What started out as a fun side hustle, has now flourished (get it?!) into an amazing business that is so much more than just succulents.
I had a little too much fun with Brandon and Thurston hearing all about they turned an idea into a multi tier business, The Coastal Succulent.
We dive into all the important topics, everything from toe rings to mushrooms. They explain to us how team work makes the dream work, and let us in on some of their tricks of the trade.
Join us on their journey down the path of least expectance...
LEARN more about The Coastal Succulent HERE
FOLLOW The Coastal Succulent HERE
FOLLOW us on Instagram HERE
For Evonne, it took a serious health scare to realize she needed to a full start over in life. Divorce, Career Change and a cross country move.
Her story is one that you read about in books. She took her life from a futon in the closet in the back of a cafe in midwest America, to the owner of Clean Eatz Franchise with over 100 locations (and another 70+ in development).
Hearing her story in her own words is both inspiring and also very REAL. Evonne and her husband Don thrive in the workplace but cherish their time out on their new farm.
Follow us on her Journey down The Path of Least Expectance...
LEARN more about Evonne HERE
LEARN more about Clean Eatz HERE
FOLLOW us on Instagram HERE
Leah was destined to be a surfer from day one. Growing up on Wrightsville Beach, her dad took her surfing any chance he got, his little buddy.
Flash forward 20 years, she has traveled the world surfing and modeling for many big name surf brands from Sea Folly to RipCurl. And she is now about to launch her own swim wear brand Legacy the Label. As brand that "commits to produce innovative high quality swimwear with a purpose, pieces that are both luxurious and versatile, fashionable yet functional." At just 22 years old she is so wise beyond her years and has lived such a full life at a time most are just graduating college. Leah shares with us what's it been like to come full circle from bikini model to bikini designer. She also shares a bit about her NEW husband and what its like to be in a relationship in the spotlight with a country music star.
I just loved catching up with Leah and hearing about her dreams that are all becoming a reality. Follow us on her journey down the Path of Least Expectance...
LEARN more about Leah HERE
SHOP Legacy The Label HERE
FOLLOW us on Instagram HERE
Becca Ingle was in the middle of a very successful IT recruiting career in corporate America when she decided she ready for a big change. After spending time working from home during pandemic she realized going back to the office wasn't in the cards for her. She faked it until she made it and found a new very successful career in travel blogging. Once thing lead to another and Becca launched her own swimsuit line, Lainsnow. Becca has the amazing ability to make all the pieces in her life fit so perfectly together. She always stays ahead of the curve with her entrepreneurial spirit, and she has lots of success to show for it.
In this business 101 episode, Becca teaches us how to create your community, and create your following. She encourages us to simply starting doing the job you want. She also reminds us that rejection is redirection. We talk about how to use social media to reach your potential customers. In this episode we cover it ALL, from work life to mom life and how to make it all work together.
There is SO much to learn from Becca , follow us on her journey down her Path of Least Expectance.....
It's been about 5 years since Josiah has planned his first celebrity wedding and opened his wedding planning business Samkoma, an Icelandic word meaning "the art of coming together". Most days it seems those last 5 years have been a bit of a blur. He went from dreaming about a life of traveling the world and planning huge celebrity weddings, to actually living out that life. Checking dream weddings off his bucket list one weekend at a time.
So how did this aspiring country music artist in Nashville go from waiter to living out his biggest dreams? A little manifestation in the desert, constant networking and connecting, and a whole lot of good vibes. Josiah's story is so inspiring, yet he shares with us how success is so tangible for anyone and everyone. After a near death experience he was given a second chance at life and is determined not to let it go to waste.
Josiah's energy in unmatched, refreshing and SO infectious. He knows what he wants and doesn't stop until he accomplishes it. There is something we can all learn and take away from Josiah's story, so get ready to laugh and learn with us on his journey down the path of least expectance....
LEARN more about Samkoma HERE
INQUIRE about their wedding services HERE
FOLLOW us on Instagram HERE
**I love it when two worlds collide. When very different people some how find each other and connect, then start down a new path together. In this episode we talk to two Roz and Aly. Two (now) best friends who 2 years ago, had never even met.
The girls interviewed me on their PODCAST last week, and now its time for me to hear their separate stories. Roz created What’s up Wilmington years ago out of a need for connection and a sense of homemade. It's a platform where she is dedicated to connecting you to the coolest places and happenings in and around Wilmington. Along the way, Roz met Aly via instagram (just wait till you hear that part of the story!) The both have full time jobs. Roz works in the Tech world, Aly is a real estate agent/super mom but in this episode we dive into the story of how their very different paths enevitably lead them together and to their new venture, The Whats up Wilmington Podcast.
There is so much to learn from these girls on branching out and finding your own sense of home, even when its seems its no where to be found. We talk about twists in life, finding your lighthouse, and how they are working to create community in the Port City
Follow us on their journey down their Path of Least Expectance...**LEARN more about Whats Up Wilmington HERE
Listen to their Whats up Wilmington Podcast HERE
FOLLOW us on Instagram HERE
WATCH this episode HERE
Being the oldest of four, Tracey has been a great leader since childhood. This lead her down the fairly straight path to teaching, education and administration. But then one day things seemed to shift and she started down a much different road. Tracey started running a Cross Fit Gym, which then turned into ownership and eventually that path lead her to her husband and a new part of her life was unlocked.
After getting married, Tracey took a practical path for a few years (relatable right?) until her personal health journey lead her to a new crossroads. Tracey is now a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner. She is dedicated to fully healing her patients, getting all the way to the root of the issue and disease. Instead of putting a Band-Aid on the problem, she solves the problem so Band-Aids are never needed. She takes the time to find healing opportunities where all function has been lost. Tracey gives hope to those who have come to the end of their rope.
In our conversation, we cover all sorts of major health topics and I ask ALL the questions. What's one thing we need to START doing today for our health? What's one thing we should STOP doing today for our health? How can stress lead to cancer? Why is gut health so important? We cover all of that and so much more. I cannot wait for you to listen to this conversation and learn all the things Tracey has to share.
Follow us on her journey down The Path of Least Expectance....
LEARN more about Tracey HERE
Call Her : 919-414-0892
Email her: traceylynn.holmes351@gmail.com
FOLLOW us on Instagram HERE
WATCH this episode HERE
LIVE from The Greenhouse Restaurant!
A live recording from Thursday February 9th 2023.
I was honored to sit down with a guest panel, all experts in their field, and dive into a conversation spanning all facets of sustainability, and our environment. I was privileged to speak with Travis Quinn of Mother Earth Brewing, Jordan Appel-Hughes Executive Director of Feast Down East, and brothers Riley and Trey Alber who own The Wilmington Compost Company.
We get to hear their individual paths of least expectance and how it directed them to where they are today. We get to hear the all mighty work they are doing, and how it is changing our world for the best.
This conversation is SO interesting whether you are on the path to a more sustainable, environmentally sound life style or not. I learned SO much from this panel and I can't wait for you to listen and learn from these trailblazers.
Craig and Danny were leading parallel lives, both content but both wanting families and both wanting to make more of an impact on their community. From single corporate America to parenting a daughter as small business owners. This episodes covers it ALL. Even how they learned they were becoming fathers on FATHERS DAY! We laugh, we cry and we dig deep into how to handle life when you know want MORE. We learn about their business, HOTWORX a 24/7 infrared sauna fitness studio. And heads up, if you are not working out in the Sauna, you need to start ASAP (seriously wait till you hear the list of benefits!)
Their individual stores blend so well to bring you learned knowledge, lessons and advice on how to lead the life you always wanted, the one you dream of but never think could be your reality. They prove to us that no matter how hard it is, it's possible!
Things may get hard, you have to sell family heirlooms and you may have to face the harsh reality that you can't even afford to rent a movie for your daughter on amazon prime, but in the end if you put in the work and build the strong concrete foundation, your successes one by one will become your new reality.
I LOVED sitting down with these two inspiring men, who tell it how it is but lead with such grace and wisdom. As fathers, and businesses owners, as bosses, and as friends. This is an episode that is sure to resonate with everyone and leave you feeling inspired to tackle what ever challenge lie ahead.
Follow us on their journey down The Path of Least Expectance....
LEARN more about Hotworx HERE
FOLLOW us on instagram HERE
WATCH this episode HERE
Do you own a business, have you ever wanted too? Consider your self an entrepreneur? Know an entrepreneur.....you get point. Then this episode is for YOU! We welcome Laura Xiao, owner of @henneorganics. I loved sitting down with Laura and hearing her story of how she went from professional table tennis to journalism to the owner of a luxury organic beauty company, Henné Organics. The ultimate Path of Least Expectance! She traveled the world with her Swedish husband and they have lots of stories to tell about what they've seen and what they've learned.
In this episode, we talk about being a calculated risk taker, and learning how to bootstrap when trying to open a business. We also talk about the false truths of starting business. For example, you need to spend money to make money, but you don't need to spend obscene amounts of money to make money. We talk about rejection in all aspects of life and how to earn some thick skin. Laura lets us in on some of her top business secrets and honestly, most of them relate to everyday life. As Laura says, sometimes you just have to fake it till you make it.
Follow us on her journey down, The Path of Least Expectance...
Find her products and shop her brand Henné Organics HERE
Follow us on instagram @path_of_least_expectance
Are you sitting down, you're going to need to take notes. This one is THAT good! In this episode we have Katie Wood, a thought leader, entrepreneur, and influenceHER who inspires others. In 2014, she transitioned from a 10-year career in teaching special education to fully embrace the entrepreneurial life. She is the Author of A Simple Seed, a daily gratitude journal for kids. But honestly, these lessons she is teaching is something all us adults really need more!
Katie lets in on some of her favorite lessons like "choose your hard". We also dive into the "Lucky girl syndrome" and how it REALLY works.
Katie reminds us to always live life like it is rigged in our favor. Stop making it about what's going wrong, and starting looking at it through the lense of what is actually happening for us (not to us). The age old theory of turning our negatives into our positives.
She explains when trees grow roots (that one will really shock you) and also reminds us just how much of an impact our daily actions make on those around us. Sometimes we all need a little tough love.
So settled in and follow us on her journey down the Path of Least Expectance
Learn more about Katie and her book A Simple Seed HERE
Buy her book HERE
Follow us on instagram @path_of_least_expectance
**Ready to set your energy for 2023? Let's Do This! Nobody better than the one and ONLY Jason Williams. The "IT" kid taking over the NYC dance scene. A dear childhood friend of mine I'm honored to interview. We grew up dancing together and have evolved and grown together over the years. He is a dancer, performer, actor, choreographer and so I would give you a list of all the amazing different gigs he has done but honestly the list just goes on and on and on filled with BIG names. Everything from Sytycd, to Lady Gaga and Mary J Blige to High School Musical, and even the Ex Factor in London.
What I love about Jason's story, is it’s a little different than what we normally talk about on this show. He never neccesarily changed career paths, he always been a dancer/ performer but the way he has morphed over the years is such an incredible story of its own.
Jason knows how to walk in a room and demand the attention he deserves, and he wants that for you too! Jason explains we must dance like EVERYONE is watching. He lets us in on some of his biggest lessons he has learned in the industry that translate so well into everyday life. We talk about Magic in our Mistakes, and how to know when to give from your cup and when to know to keep what's left reserved it for YOU. Jason explains how we must "grow in the back row before we can sprout to the front" and he reminds us to stop giving a disclaimer. Live your life for you and live it with out any apologies to anyone else. After all if not your job to like me, it's mine. He is such a master at bringing the best out of everyone he touches from his students to his friends. He wants everyone to to live an abundant life and to shine from the inside. Because let's be honest, life ever gets easier we just get stronger.
Are you feeling unsettled, like you are ready for more? Then tune in and follow us on a journey down the Path of Least Expectance.**
FIND more about Jason Williams and watch him thrive HERE @thejasonwilliamsexperience
FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM @path_of_least_expectance
Life was great for Kara Kenan, From military, to motherhood to marriage bliss and then BAM, that nasty c word cancer hit and hit her hard. Kara was thrown way off of her expected path, but ended up on a path that changed the trajectory of her life. Through her struggles with Breast Cancer she has been able to help so many others who are suffering.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and as they say “everyone know someone” so I felt it was very necessary to bring someone on the podcast to shine a light on this topic, and I think I might have just found THE most suited woman...
Kara is the executive director of Going Beyond the Pink, but her path getting there has been anything but expected! Going Beyond the Pink is an organization she founded five years ago to provide resources breast cancer patients and survivors. Going Beyond the Pink’s mission is to offer free access to everything from needed support resources, health and wellness education, individual and family support, and financial assistance to our breast cancer community.
We dive into her story as she walks us through all the in's and out's of a cancer journey. There are so many amazing take aways, whether you are dealing with cancer personally or you are just trying to live a preventative life. What's the number one thing you can eat to fight cancer cells in your body?? Tune in to find out, along with so much more knowledge Kara brings to the table.
Follow Kara on her heroic journey down the path of least expectance...
FIND more about Kara Kenan and how you can donate HERE
FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM @path_of_least_expectance
Mena has one mission in life, to shine her light to others so they can in turn find their own inner light.
Mena's path was anything but straight and expected. After a life threatening trauma accident at 17 her life was changed forever. A young mom who found a passion for body works, from professional belly dancer and fire breathing to Reiki and herbal medicine. She then took a deep dive and turned all her attention to herbalism. Mix in a pandemic where she learned to distill hand sanitizer with a national TV show where she won master distiller (making absinth) and you got a real life story. Mena has worked at bars where there is no cocktail list, she will simply ask questions, ask what you like and read your body language and make you exactly the drink you need that night.
Mena has so much to share and teach from her life experiences thus far and she still has so much planned for her future. New products and new ventures, like a restaurant that has a menu that changes with the weather......say what?!
Follow Mena on her amazingly wild journey down the path of least expectance...
FIND more about Mena Killough HERE
FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM @path_of_least_expectance
JC Schuster was born and raised in Dallas, TX, a performer and choreographer with over 19 years of experience in the entertainment industry. His professional work includes everything from tv and film to Broadway. He is an all around performer and choreographer. His resume is all over the place, just like JC. He has so much to share from his years in the entertainment industry and how he applied those lessons to his everyday life.
In this episode, we cover everything from dealing with 1000 No’s, to how if you want to see real change, a real challenge is inevitable. He points out that so often the No’s in life build you up, in order to be prepared for all the Yes’s. We also talk about how we need to stop focusing on the small stuff in order to save our energy for the BIG things in life.
**We take a deep dive into finding your identity, what happens when everything is stripped away , who are you?
Often in life we are take time to prepare, we have to remember the order: it's ready, set, FIRE. We must prepare, before we FIRE. JC explains his theory on how life is actually a series of books, not just one chapter book. And also talks about what happens when we overflow our gunny sack. Through lots of laughter and stories, like the time he was king of the tanning bed, we learn so much about life and finding our selves on our journey.
So come laugh with us and enjoy all the amazing things JC has to share (Including the time he made a 65 year old best friend in a basement gym)
Follow us on his journey down the Path of Least Expectance...**FIND more about JC Schuster HERE
WATCH this episode on YOUTUBE
FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM @path_of_least_expectance
Jessica Martin is a jack of all trades. More like a queen of all trades. Her path took her to Miami where she is now co-owner of Mood the Agency, a creative digital agency. She is co-host of a podcast her self, The Whisky and Water Podcast. A no BS podcast about female entrepreneurship and women in business, with over 100K plus downloads. She is a photographer, a model and maybe one day a pilot.
**Jess is such a great example of what can be accomplished when we take control of the reins in life but yet trust the process and really purse our passions. She has never resisted what life has throw at her and it has lead her to find success in so many unexpected places.
In this episode, we dive into leading the life we deserve, as well as how we really only succeed when we first fail ( and fail a lot!) She shares how it is possible to work and own a business with your best friend, and also shares tips on how to successfully share your personal brand / business on social media platforms.**FIND more about Jessica Martin HERE
WATCH this episode on YOUTUBE
FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM @path_of_least_expectance
**It was on his death bed, in his lowest point, Scott Johnson decided to put his suicidal thoughts aside to make a bucket list, a list of things he could try to accomplish if he ever was able to get out of the hospital and recover. On the top of that list was a nearly impossible goal of running in a triathlon. Not only was he given a second chance at life and made it out of that hospital , but five years later, AFTER his double lung transplant, he finished Ironman Florida and became the first double-lung transplant recipient to complete the 140.6-mile swim/bike/run race. Oh and did I mention he has Cystic Fibrosis?
In the episode, Scott takes us on his journey down a path he has had to accept since birth. Growing up, Johnson didn't make plans for the future. People with Cystic Fibrosis didn’t live long enough — when he was first diagnosed in the early 1970s, doctors told his parents to take him home and love him, because he wouldn’t live for long. But after his transplant he was given a new “birthday”. I am so honored to have him here today to share his story with us. His path is beyond inspirational and one we all need to. Since three months old, the odds have been against Scott, and yet that has never stopped him. There is so much to learn from Scott about the way he tackles all the hard things that life throws at him. Follow us on journey down his Path of Least Expectance.**FIND more about Scott Johnson's story HERE
FIND how to become involved with Cystic Fibrosis HERE
WATCH this episode on YOUTUBE
FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM @path_of_least_expectance
From the block to the boardroom. Khalilah Olokunola has been through some of the deepest valleys and now shouts her lessons learned from the top of the mountain. She ignites, informs, and impacts everyone who is lucky enough to be in her presence.
She is someone who comes into your life and immediately leaves a lasting impression. Honestly, She really does it ALL! She serves **as an ordained pastor, She is a serial entrepreneur. She is an author. She is a public speaker. She dominates HR And most of all She believes in second chances. She is People Focused . Purpose Driven. Profit Aligned
KO currently serves as the CPO: Chief People Officer at Tru Colors, a for profit company with a social mission to unite gang rivals. As they say Creating beer for a better world.
In this episode we talk about how if you want crazy outcomes you have to put yourself in crazy positions. We talk about how to avoid the "traditional" door. How KO went from jail to HR. We talk about how comparison will always kill what is being cultivated. And we explore how we are always so focused on breaking habit, we never focus on building new ones.
What happens when we base our ROI on people instead of product. What happens when we take a step outside of the box and reengineer our ideas. What happens when we turn our past experiences (good bad and ugly) into our POWER. Who will your journey impact?**FIND Khalilah Olokunola on http://www.khalilaholokunola.com
FIND Tru Colors https://trucolors.co
WATCH to this episode on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKrigW7HuMU
FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM @path_of_least_expectance
Wait. What?
Alisha Thomas is the owner of Wait. What. Consulting, fashion brand Ruby Asata, and new mom to a baby boy. She is the brain behind the books and hands behind the fashions. She has a formal degree in art and design and an informal degree in small creative business, which she gained while heading up finance, operations, and logistics for a successful gift company that went on to sell in Target, Walmart, and Bed Bath and Beyond. So how did she go from fashion to finance? At what moment in life did she get slapped in the face by accounting, causing her to take a left turn down the Path of Least Expectance?
In this episode we talk about everything from how weird businesses have a greater chance for success, to how you should run your business like you will get hit by a bus tomorrow (thanks Janet). Whether you own a business or not, listen up! You don’t want to miss this one!
FIND Alisha Thomas on https://waitwhatconsulting.com
WATCH to this episode on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKrigW7HuMU
FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM @path_of_least_expectance